82 Some Vinos Connected with the Question of Coast Defence. 



afforded to Americans in distant lands. The protection of its citizens 

 was one of the grandest features of the governmental system of an- 

 cient Eome. The safety and freedom of a Eoman was the jealous 

 care of that state, until slavery and sensualism had dimmed the glory 

 and lowered the intellectual force of Eome. Then the wearied na- 

 tions of the earth cried aloud for its destruction, even as Eome itself 

 had demanded and secured the destruction of Carthage. 



Let us hope that the English people will rise above their politicians 

 and political merchants, so that we may never be compelled to re-echo 

 for England the cry of Cato the censor: " Ceterum censeo Carthaginem 

 esse delendam." We want no war. We want no standing armies. 

 We insist upon peace; but we also insist upon justice and the protec- 

 tion of our citizens. To secure peace we must make our coasts 

 impregnable. To secure justice and full protection we must cover the 

 seas with swift steel cruisers — not clumsy ironclads. Then, if just 

 towards others, we may hope for the blessing of heaven, with pros- 

 perity and contentment. 



